Authority to conduct special investigations is provided in part by Sections 8-4-201 through 8-4-208, Tennessee Code Annotated. The Special Investigations Section gathers information and evidence resulting in prosecutions and recovery of funds and coordinates the efforts of other agencies involved in the investigation. The investigators assist local district attorneys general, Tennessee's Office of the Attorney General, the Office of the United States Attorney General, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Investigative reviews are initiated as a result of information discovered during audits by the Department of Audit or provided by individuals or other departments and agencies. The matters investigated range from embezzlement of public funds to abuse of public resources. Investigations are completed on matters at the state level as well as matters at the local level. Investigators often find that losses are incurred as a result of weak internal control or ineffective management.

Since October 1983, the Department of Audit has provided a toll-free hotline for reporting fraud, waste, and abuse of government funds and property. Periodicals throughout Tennessee publish information to alert citizens to the hotline and encourage them to call (800) 232-5454 to report wasteful, inefficient, or fraudulent activities. In addition, agencies receiving community grant funds are required to display in a prominent place signs calling attention to the hotline.

Contact Information

Assistant Director

Manager